Environmental Health Compliance Surveyor

the South Dakota State Government•Rapid City, SD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The South Dakota Department of Health is hiring a full-time Health Facilities Surveyor for the Office of Health Protection. Areas surveyed include food service establishments, mobile food units, lodging facilities, campgrounds, and other licensed entities under the Office of Health Protection. The Surveyor's role is to ensure compliance with state regulations for the public protection of health and safety hazards. Travel includes per diem, as well as the use of a state vehicle while on the road. This position is located in the Rapid City/western South Dakota area. Travel throughout western South Dakota is required regularly and attendance to bi-annual staff meetings is expected. Occasional overnight travel is expected depending on inspection scheduling, training, and regional needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in the physical, environmental, biological, natural, or health sciences field is preferred.
Current national or state credentials as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) or meet the eligibility requirements to obtain within 3 years of being hired.
Public health inspection experience preferred.
Knowledge of inspection principles to evaluate environmental and food safety risks.
Knowledge of state laws and regulations regarding environmental health and fire/life safety.
Knowledge of food safety principles, foodborne illness risk factors, contamination prevention, and the FDA Model Food Code.
Knowledge of proper food handling, storage, temperature control, and contamination prevention methods.
Knowledge of causes and control of diseases linked to unsanitary conditions.
Skill to use electronic inspection platforms, databases, and mobile technology to document findings and prepare reports.
Must apply online.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation.
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.
The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in the physical, environmental, biological, natural, or health sciences field.
Current national or state credentials as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS).
Public health inspection experience.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with state regulations for the public protection of health and safety hazards.
Survey food service establishments, mobile food units, lodging facilities, campgrounds, and other licensed entities.
Identify and assess foodborne illness risk factors.
Apply food code requirements consistently across food service establishments.
Use electronic inspection systems and reporting tools.
Plan ahead, set priorities, and work independently in an orderly and efficient manner.
Review plans and assess compliance across food, lodging, water recreation, and campground facilities.
Identify corrective measures for fire/life safety compliance or to prevent the spread of disease and illnesses.
Provide technical assistance, training, and information to Department of Public Safety inspectors.
Enforce regulations impartially and professionally.
Engage constructively with operators and the public.
Assist with foodborne illness outbreaks, product recalls, or similar investigational matters as needed.
Gather, analyze, and organize information to provide recommendations or input to promote and improve operations.
Communicate inspection findings clearly and tactfully.
Provide guidance on food code compliance and corrective measures.